Self-Cleaning Filter with Segmented Baskets and Transversal Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cleaning filters face challenges in handling large liquid volume flows at fine filtration degrees while maintaining a compact size and minimizing pressure loss, as larger filter basket diameters lead to structural stress and impractical handling due to increased weight and volume.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple axial filter baskets with individual cleaning elements and a transversal outlet configuration that broadens circumferentially and narrows axially, allowing for efficient dirt accumulation and improved flow profiles, enabling larger volume flows with finer filtration without the need for excessively large filter bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter basket diameter is increased to handle larger liquid volume flows, then the filtered volume increases, but the filter basket wall stress increases and the filter becomes heavier and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple filter baskets (typically 3-5 baskets) arranged in parallel within the filter body. Each basket handles a portion of the total flow, allowing the system to process large volumes without requiring any single basket to be excessively large and heavy. The baskets can be individually removed and replaced, making maintenance easier.
2Productivity
If the filter basket diameter is increased to handle larger liquid volume flows, then the filtered volume increases, but the structural stress on the filter basket wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the total filtration area into multiple smaller baskets, each basket experiences lower wall stress for the same operating pressure compared to a single large basket. The stress is distributed across multiple structures rather than concentrated in one large wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the diameter (horizontal dimension) of a single basket, the system adds more baskets in parallel, effectively utilizing the radial space around the central axis. This dimensional approach allows high productivity without increasing the stress on individual basket walls.
3Productivity
If the filter basket diameter is increased to handle larger liquid volume flows, then the filtered volume increases, but the filter becomes impractical to handle and difficult to fit snugly in the filter body
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple smaller filter baskets are used instead of one large basket. These smaller baskets are much easier to manually handle, position, and remove for cleaning or replacement. Each basket can be independently manipulated without requiring heavy lifting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple filter baskets are nested concentrically around a central cleaning element and axis within the filter body. This nested arrangement allows efficient use of the filter body volume while keeping each individual basket compact and manageable in size.
4Volume of stationary object
If a conical reducer is used in the outlet to improve flow distribution, then the volume and dimension are reduced, but the cleaning action is impaired and upstream end becomes non-productive
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is positioned asymmetrically, not at the central axis but offset towards one side of the filter body. This asymmetric positioning allows the outlet to be located at the upstream end of the filter baskets, improving flow distribution to all baskets including those at the upstream end, while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conical reducer that creates a long axial outlet, the design uses a transversal outlet positioned at the upstream end. This changes the outlet orientation from axial to transversal, eliminating the non-productive zone and maintaining effective cleaning action across all filter baskets.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a significant increase in filtered volume with reduced pressure loss and smaller filter dimensions, enabling effective handling and maintaining fine filtration degrees without structural issues, while also optimizing the use of filter basket length for dirt accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The Bernoulli Filter is automatically self-cleaning by aid of a cleaning element operable by an actuator to travel along the filter basket's centre axis, whereby a travelling annular gap is formed between a cleaning element and an inside of the filter basket wall, thereby significantly increasing the velocity of the liquid in said gap and its proximity. According to the principle of Bernoulli, the increased velocity results in a locally decreased pressure and thus a reversed liquid flow through the filter apertures in the filter basket wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-cleaning filter (10) having a filter body (11) with a diameter D, that comprises an inlet (12), an axial filter basket (20a), a transversal outlet (14), a reject outlet (16), and a cleaning element (22a) operable by an actuator (24a) to travel along said filter basket's (20a) centre axis. According to the invention, the outlet (14) comprises an upstream end defined by an opening (86) in the filter body, which opening has a minor axis x and a major axis y, a downstream end piece (82) with a circular cylindrical cross-section having a diameter d, and a transition piece (80) that interconnects said opening (86) with said end piece (82); where D > 1.5d, x < d, and y > 1.1 d. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning the self-cleaning filter.